Season recap: White Knoll volleyball

White Knoll volleyball took a big step up in 2008, finishing with a 12-5 overall, non-tournament record. The Timberwolves finished in second place in tough Region 5-4A with a 12-2 record, losing only to region champion Lexington.

“It was a great growing year for the girls,” said second-year WK coach Nicole Gilstrap.

“They came from fifth place in the region and not making the playoffs top second place, which is a which is a huge turn around. It was the first time the program finished second and hosted a playoff match. We lost in the first round, which was a big upset, but we learned a lesson and will be applying that lesson to our play for the 2009 season.

“We are going to be fighting for (a region championship) next season. It will be a tough goal for us, but something we believe we can achieve if we work hard. We have six returning seniors, which will also add to the leadership and experience of the team. We are looking forward to continue in building the program at White Knoll High School and are already looking at what we can do to becoming a consistent contender in the region and in the playoffs.”

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Colbie Alderson and Ashleigh Dent are the two departing seniors. Alderson had 110 kills, 37 blocks, 23 aces, 25 assists and 30 digs, which translated into a berth on the all-region team and a spot in the CAWS North-South all-star match. Dent had 56 kills, 26 aces, 45 assists and was second on the team with 99 digs.

Juniors Brittany Williamson and Sarah Barton both joined Alderson on the all-region team. Williamson, a two-year all-region pick, was the team defensive leader with 191 digs and was outstanding in the serving game with 57 aces and a 98% serving ration. The stellar Libero misfired on just eight serves all season.

The other returning starters are sophomores Caitlin Bullock and Noelle Bolin and freshman Siraya Windsor. Bullock led the team with 202 kills, and chipped in 10 blocks, 20 aces and 18 digs. Bolin had 66 kills and 22 digs. Barton ran the show at setter, and rang up 458 assists, 87 digs, 40 kills and seven blocks.